Factors influencing the management effectiveness of the biosphere reserve model: The case of Vietnam

Abstract

Biosphere Reserves (BR) were set up in the 1970s by UNESCO under the Man and Biosphere Program (MAB) to fulfil three vital functions: Biodiversity conservation, sustainable development and logistical support. The BR concept evolved, as outlined by the Seville Strategy and Statutory Framework in 1995, which established a set of criteria and guidelines for effective planning and managing of the global network. Rapid expansion of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) was expected to provide an excellent opportunity for conservation coupled to sustainable development. However, while BRs are an international initiative, country members are given the right to nominate and implement the model. --- This thesis evaluates current management issues and discusses the knowledge and institutional barriers for long-term management outcomes of the BR model in Vietnam. The knowledge gaps and factors contributing to the success or failure of the BR operation and management were investigated from the global to national and site level. Employing the Delphi method of expert opinions, the study identified 90 BRs, including 60 successful and 30 less successful sites in 42 countries across the WNBR. Most successful sites are the post-Seville generation while the majority of unsuccessful BRs are pre-Seville generations that are managed as protected areas (PA) and have not been amended to conform to the characteristics that are meant to define a BR. The study also identified eleven key factors belonging to three main functional groups of designation, participation and delivery. Among the 11 key influencing factors, Awareness and communication, and Landscape planning and zonation (designation with the core, buffer zone and transition area) are preconditions but beyond that Stakeholder participation and collaboration, Governance, Finance and resources, and Management and implementation including Sustainable economic development are sufficient conditions for BR success. Monitoring and evaluation appears to be a less important factor influencing the BR success but it is an important component for adaptive learning and management within the WNBR. Factors identified as influencing management of the global network of BRs were used as a set of “core issues” for comparison with the way BRs are operated and managed at the national and site level in Vietnam.